State Authorization

One practice that SWOSU follows allows the university to offer educational programs across the county.  This practice, known as state authorization, assists SWOSU in receiving authorization from a state (other than Oklahoma) before allowing students from that state to participate in educational activities at SWOSU.  SWOSU is authorized by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) to offer distance education courses and programs. 

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. For more information visit NC-SARA.

Distance Learning Complaint Process for Out of State Students

Students attending Southwestern desiring to resolve an academic grievance should follow the University’s Academic Appeals Procedure as described here.  For students residing outside of Oklahoma, there are additional avenues if a grievance is not solved internally. In this situation, students can file grievances with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education or through NC-SARA Student Complaints.

If out of state students would like to contact an education agency within their own state, that information can be found at the Student Grievance Contact Information for Individual States. Southwestern Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Licensure Disclosure

Prospective and current students, who reside or plan on practicing/teaching outside of Oklahoma, should consult the appropriate licensing agency in their chosen state, prior to beginning a SWOSU academic program to determine if the program will lead to a professional license in their state.

Review the links below for SWOSU’s current determination regarding specific degree programs meeting educational requirements in states other than Oklahoma.

Specific questions about SWOSU’s State Authorization of Distance Education may be directed to Dr. Joel Kendall, Associate Provost. For questions about degrees in Education, please contact Reggy Yount.