Out-of-State Distance Education Institutions

If your institution is not physically located in Texas and meets all of the following criteria, you do not need to apply for a license or exemption from TWC, though you must meet other applicable TWC requirements prior to enrolling Texas students:

• The institution is legally authorized by the state of its physical location to offer postsecondary education and award degrees.
• The institution is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the United States Secretary of Education under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. Section 1001 et seq.).
• The institution offers in Texas only postsecondary distance or correspondence programs of instruction.

TWC does not consider externships or clinical learning experiences involving unpaid preceptors as establishing a place of business in the state which would require our regulation.

If your institution does not meet all of the qualifications, an explanation of both our licensing and exemption processes is contained at our web site: http://www.texasworkforce.org/careerschools. Click on the “Apply for a certificate of approval” link. Our statute, rules and forms are also available from the web site. As you will see, the available exemptions, as well as the necessary qualifications, are explained in form CSC-017, General Exemptions.

Additionally, to ensure your institution has appropriate authority to offer degree programs in Texas, you should contact the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Cathie Maeyaert, JD, 512-427-6527, cathie.maeyaert@thecb.state.tx.us is the best contact on this. Also, depending on the types of courses you intend to offer online to Texans, our Board of Nursing or other State of Texas agencies may be required to approve some of your courses and there may be other Texas statutes or programs that may require your institution to register with the Secretary of State.

To ensure that your institution has appropriate authority to offer degree programs in Texas, contact the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Depending on the types of courses you intend to offer online to Texans, other State of Texas agencies may be required to approve some of your courses. For more information, see Licensing Coordination Information for Career School Programs.