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State Authorization & Professional Licensure

Find a list of states where CIIS can and cannot enroll online students, as well as policies and procedures for professional licensure.

State Authorization

The U.S. Department of Education oversees compliance with regulations governing the ability of institutions to offer online programs to students located outside of California. Individual states also oversee the programming CIIS offers, and some states require authorization for having online students and/or clinical placements in the state. CIIS is not required to seek authorization in all states and U.S. territories, but is required to be authorized in some.

Student Declaration of Current Physical Location

To comply with federal Title IV regulations governing distance learning, CIIS is required to verify students’ locations prior to engaging in financial transactions. Also, to comply with state authorization regulations governing distance learning and clinical placements, CIIS is required to verify students’ locations prior to each semester of registration. Students are required to confirm their location three times a calendar year (every 120 days) via Colleague Self-Service to a) confirm their official address of record, and b) indicate the state in which they will be physically located while taking their online coursework in the upcoming semester. A student is required to report to the Registrar’s Office any change in their physical location during the semester; the change needs to be reported in advance of moving.

If a student’s current location is outside the state of California and the student is enrolled in a CIIS online program or taking an online class offered in a CIIS residential program, the student should also check the information below to verify CIIS’ authorization to offer distance education to students physically located outside the state of California.

List of State Authorization, Exemptions, and Restrictions

Some states require institutions to be authorized or exempt in order to enroll online students located in the state. Not all states have this requirement. Below is the list of states from which CIIS may or may not enroll online students.

CAN ENROLL ONLINE STUDENTS:

  • Alaska
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Wyoming

CANNOT ENROLL ONLINE/DISTANCE STUDENTS:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia (DC)
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Minnesota
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Rhode Island
  • Wisconsin

Professional Licensure

CIIS offers five Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology concentration programs and one Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) program that can lead to licensure:

  1. Drama Therapy
  2. Somatic Therapy
  3. Expressive Arts Therapy
  4. Community Mental Health
  5. Integral Counseling Psychology
  6. Clinical Psychology

In the United States, MFT, PCC, and the Psychologist licenses are regulated by each individual board and state. Other states and countries may have different licensing requirements than those for California. Since we are a California university, we have aligned all of our programs to California's requirements.

The CIIS Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program (with concentrations) is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) for graduates to be eligible for the MFT or PCC California professional licenses.

The CIIS Doctor of Psychology program (Psy.D.) is approved by the California Board of Psychology for graduates to be eligible for a California Psychologist license.

Even though our programs are aligned to California’s requirements, federal regulations require CIIS to disclose to any prospective or current student whether a program meets the professional licensure academic requirements in states outside California. CIIS has made determinations on whether our programs meet professional licensure requirements in all 50 states. This information is updated regularly and is provided to all prospective students during the application process.

While CIIS also provides out-of-state licensing advising, all prospective and current students should consult the licensing boards of the appropriate state or country for licensing information outside of California for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

M.A. in Counseling Psychology Programs with Restrictions

For these two residential programs, CIIS will only admit students located in California, Nevada, or Oregon:

  • Master of Counseling Psychology - Community Mental Health
  • Master of Counseling Psychology - Integral Counseling Psychology Weekend

For this low residency online hybrid program, CIIS will only admit students located in California:

  • Master of Counseling Psychology - Expressive Arts Therapy

Professional Licensure Disclosures

The M.A. Counseling Psychology program is designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure as required for employment in the following occupation(s):  

  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

The Psy.D. Clinical Psychology program is designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure as required for employment in the following occupation:

  • Licensed Psychologist

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPPC)

Determinations regarding professional licensure eligibility associated with this program are outlined below.

  • The Program meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the following states: Alaska, California, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, Washington. 
  • The Program does not meet the educational requirements for professional counseling licensure in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin.
  • A determination has not been made as to whether or not the Program meets the educational requirements for professional counseling licensure in the following states: Rhode Island, South Carolina, Guam, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia, Wyoming, A State of the Union, American Samoa, The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, The Virgin Islands, The Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federal States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

Determinations regarding professional licensure eligibility associated with this program are outlined below.

  • The Program meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the following state: California.
  • The Program does not meet the educational requirements for professional counseling licensure in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, District of Columbia, Wisconsin.
  • A determination has not been made as to whether or not the Program meets the educational requirements for professional counseling licensure in the following states: Mississippi, Missouri, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, Wyoming, a State of the Union, American Samoa, The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, The Virgin Islands, The Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federal States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

Licensed Psychologist

Determinations regarding professional licensure eligibility associated with this program are outlined below.

  • The Program meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification as a Licensed Psychologist in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin.
  • The Program does not meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification as a Licensed Psychologist in the following states: District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah.
  • A determination has not been made as to whether or not the Program meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification as a Licensed Psychologist in the following states: Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming, a State of the Union, American Samoa, The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, The Virgin Islands, The Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federal States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

State-Specific Disclosures

  • CIIS has received exemption from the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) to offer its programs to students who reside in Alaska. A student who is a resident of Alaska and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here↗.

  • CIIS is not subject to oversight by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Arizona. A student who is a resident of Arizona and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here↗.

  • CIIS is exempted from the state authorization requirements of the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education and is therefore permitted to offer its programs to California residents. A student who is a resident of California and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here↗.

    An individual may contact the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education for review of a complaint. The bureau may be contacted at:

    Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education 
    Mailing address: P.O. Box 980818, West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818 
    Physical address: 1747 North Market Blvd, Suite 225, Sacramento, CA 95834, www.bppe.ca.gov 
    Phone: 916.574.8900, Toll Free: 888.370.7589, Main Fax: 916.263.1897

  • CIIS is not subject to oversight by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Colorado. 

  • CIIS is registered with the Connecticut Office of Higher Education to offer its online programs to Connecticut residents. A student who is a resident of Connecticut and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution may follow the process outlined here↗ or reach out directly to:

    Emily Bjornberg, Senior Consultant, Academic Affairs, Connecticut Office of Higher Education 
    450 Columbus Blvd, Suite 707, Hartford, CT 06103
    emily.bjornberg@ct.gov 
    860.947.1824 (office) 

  • CIIS is not subject to oversight by the Florida Commission for Independent Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Florida with certain exceptions.

  • CIIS is authorized by the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission to offer certain online programs to Georgia residents. A student who is a resident of Georgia and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should contact the state agency using the information listed below or should visit the state agency’s website located here↗

    Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission 
    2082 E. Exchange Pl. #220 Tucker, GA 30084-5334

  • CIIS is not subject to oversight by the Hawaii Postsecondary Education Authorization Program and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Hawaii.

  • CIIS is not subject to authorization in the State of Idaho based on the Idaho State Board of Education. A student who is a resident of Idaho and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here↗.

  • CIIS is not subject to authorization in the State of Illinois based on the Illinois Board of Higher Education regulations. A student who is a resident of Illinois and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here↗.

  • CIIS is authorized by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education to offer certain online programs to Indiana residents. A student who is a resident of Indiana and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here.

  • CIIS is not subject to oversight by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and is able to offer certain online programs to Kentucky residents. A student who is a resident of Kentucky and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here↗.

  • CIIS is not currently subject to authorization in the state of Louisiana based on the Board of Regents regulations. A student who is a resident of Louisiana and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here↗.

  • CIIS is not subject to oversight by the Maine Department of Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Maine. 

  • CIIS is authorized by the Maryland Higher Education Commission to offer fully online programs to Maryland residents. A student who is a resident of Maryland and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution may reach out to the Maryland Higher Education Commission at the address below or can follow the process outlined here↗.

    Maryland Higher Education Commission
    6 North Liberty Street, 10th Floor
    Baltimore, MD 21201
    410.767.3300
    collegiatecomplaint.mhec@maryland.gov

     

  • CIIS is not subject to oversight by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Massachusetts.

  • CIIS is not subject to oversight by the Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Mississippi. 

  • CIIS is not subject to oversight by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Missouri. 

  • CIIS is authorized by the Board of Regents of the Montana University System to offer its online programs to Montana residents. A student who is a resident of Montana and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here↗.

  • CIIS is not subject to oversight by the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Nebraska. A student who is a resident of Nebraska and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here↗.

  • CIIS has been issued an Experiential License by the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education to deliver accredited programs with fieldwork components per the current academic catalog to students who reside (are located) in Nevada with certain exceptions. CIIS is also able to deliver distance education programs that do not contain a fieldwork component to students who reside (are located) in Nevada with certain exceptions. A student who is a resident of Nevada and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the directions outlined here↗.

  • CIIS is not subject to oversight by the New Hampshire Division of Educator Support and Higher Education – Higher Education Commission and is therefore able to deliver certain online and distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in New Hampshire. A student who is a resident of New Hampshire and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here.

  • CIIS is not subject to oversight by the New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in New Jersey. A student who is a resident of New Jersey and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here↗.

  • CIIS has been deemed by the New Mexico Higher Education Department to meet the application standards for Distance Education Authorization pursuant to the Interstate Distance Education Act (Section 21-23B-1 et seq. NMSA 1978). A student who is a resident of New Mexico and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should contact the state agency using the information listed below or should visit the state agency’s website located here↗:

    New Mexico Higher Education Department 
    2044 Galisteo Street, Suite 4, Santa Fe, NM 87505 
    HigherEd.Info@state.nm.us  
    505.476.8411 

  • CIIS is authorized by the New York State Education Department to offer certain online programs to New York residents. A student who is a resident of New York and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should contact the New York State Education Department here↗:  

    New York Office of College and University Evaluation 
    New York State Education Department 
    5 North Mezzanine, Albany, NY 12234 
    ocueinfo@mail.nysed.gov

  • CIIS is not subject to oversight by the Ohio Department of Education to offer certain online programs to Ohio residents. A student who is a resident of Ohio and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the directions outlined here↗

  • CIIS is not subject to oversight by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Oklahoma.

  • CIIS is authorized by the Oregon Higher Education Coordination Commission to offer certain online programs to Oregon residents. CIIS's Oregon Student Protection Fact Sheet is available here↗. A student who is a resident of Oregon and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here.

    Students should attempt to resolve any grievances they may have with their school first. Should attempts to resolve these problems with appropriate school officials fail, or should the student be dissatisfied with the final outcome of the college complaint process, then the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), can respond to a formal complaint. Students may contact the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, 3225 25th St. SE, Salem, OR 97302 or by sending an email to complaints@hecc.oregon.gov. Students may also access our complaints web page.

  • CIIS is registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education as an out-of-state distance education provider to enroll Pennsylvania residents in certain online programs. A student who is a resident of Pennsylvania and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here↗.

  • CIIS is not subject to oversight by the South Carolina Commission for Higher Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in South Carolina.

  • CIIS is not subject to oversight by the South Dakota Secretary of State – Postsecondary Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in South Dakota.

  • CIIS is not subject to oversight by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Tennessee.

  • CIIS is not subject to oversight by the Texas Workforce Commission or the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for certain distance education programs.

    A student who is a resident of Texas and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution to the THECB should follow the process outlined here↗.

    CIIS is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and approved by the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) to offer all programs in the state of California, therefore under Texas Section 132.001(1)(B), CIIS is excluded from regulation by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

    A student who wishes to make a complaint to the regional accreditor WSCUC should follow the process outlined here↗

    A student who wishes to make a complaint about the institution to the state of California should follow the process outlined here↗.

  • CIIS is registered with the State of Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Consumer Protection to offer its online programs to Utah residents. Per Utah regulation R152-34-9, a link to the CIIS scorecard, maintained by the Department of Education, may be accessed here↗. A student who is a resident of Utah and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here ↗.

  • CIIS is not subject to oversight by the Vermont Agency of Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Vermont.

  • CIIS is authorized by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and meets the requirements for distance education certification as states in section §23.1-219 (F) of the Code of Virginia. This authorization is subject to periodic review and authorizes CIIS to offer solely distance education programs to Virginia residents. The Council may be contacted for a list of currently authorized programs. Authorization by the Council does not carry with it an endorsement by the Council of the institution or its programs. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Council at 101 North Fourteenth Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 or 804.225.2600.

    A student who is a resident of Virginia and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here↗.

  • For Washington State residents seeking information and resources about student loan repayment or seeking to submit a complaint relating to your student loans or student loan servicer, please visit www.wsac.wa.gov/loan-advocacy or contact the Student Loan Advocate at loanadvocate@wsac.wa.gov.

  • CIIS is not subject to oversight by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to offer certain online programs to West Virginia residents. A student who is a resident of West Virginia and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here↗

  • CIIS is authorized by the Wyoming Department of Education to offer its online programs to Wyoming residents. A student who is a resident of Wyoming and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here↗.

Contact Us

Please contact our Admissions Team with any questions about state authorizations and professional licensure.