Professional Licensure Information
Northwestern Oklahoma State University offers several programs that lead to professional licensure in the state of Oklahoma. In compliance with federal regulations, the university provides students with essential information about these academic programs to help them make informed decisions regarding their education and career goals.
Northwestern’s licensure programs strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information about the educational requirements for licensure across U.S. states and territories. Because requirements can change or be interpreted differently over time, students should be aware that licensure may also involve additional steps such as examinations, training, or practicum hours. Ultimately, each state’s licensing board determines an applicant’s eligibility for licensure based on the regulations in place at the time of application, and Northwestern cannot guarantee that students will be able to meet all requirements for licensure in every state. Students are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate licensing agency before beginning a program to ensure they understand all requirements for licensure or certification in the state where they intend to practice.
The Council on Licensure, Enforcement, and Regulation provides profession-specific listings of licensing and regulatory boards across North America. This resource may be useful for researching licensure processes, requirements, and agency contacts. Students should also consult their academic advisor or program director with any questions or for additional guidance.
Student Location and Relocation
For licensure disclosures, Northwestern determines a student’s location based on the physical address provided at the time of admission into a licensure program. If a student relocates to another state during the course of the program, this change may affect their ability to remain enrolled or continue receiving financial aid. Relocation may also impact a student’s ability to obtain licensure in their new state. Because of these potential impacts, students who are considering relocation should contact their advisor or program director before moving to confirm authorization, licensure eligibility, and available options.
Prospective students who live or work outside of the United States should confirm with the appropriate credentialing agency whether completion of a Northwestern degree program will meet licensure requirements in the country where they intend to seek employment.
Public and Direct Disclosure
Northwestern's programs that lead to licensure are required to disclose whether their curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure in specific U.S. states or territories. Some programs review requirements for all states and territories, while others limit their determinations to specific locations based on program objectives. Prospective students residing in a state or territory where licensure requirements have not been confirmed cannot be admitted unless they intend to practice in a state where the program is approved. In these cases, the student must formally attest to this intent.
Prospective students whose state is not listed among the disclosures are encouraged to reach out to the director of their chosen program for clarification and guidance.
In addition to these public disclosures, the U.S. Department of Education requires Northwestern to provide direct disclosures to students based on their location or any change in location. To avoid disruptions, students should communicate with their program before relocating to ensure they understand the impact on their licensure pathway and enrollment status.
Licensure Programs
Below are links to the required public disclosures for all NWOSU programs leading to licensure. Current and prospective students are encouraged to contact the director of their chosen program with any questions regarding licensure requirements.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Master of Counseling Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
Master of Counseling Psychology (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor)