At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), we are committed to providing transparent and accurate information about professional licensure and/or certification. If you are pursuing an academic program which leads to licensure or certification that is required for entry into the profession, it is important to understand the specific requirements for the state in which you intend to work.
UNL’s academic programs are designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure and/or certification in Nebraska and most other states. Licensure requirements vary by state and may change over time. Completion of an academic program does not guarantee licensure outside of Nebraska.
Review your specific program and the licensure and/or certification requirements for the state in which you intend to work.
Learn More About Licensure Requirements
At the Licensure page, you will find:
- A comprehensive list of UNL academic programs that lead to licensure or certification, required for entry into the profession,
- States for which UNL academic programs fulfill licensure or certification requirements,
- Estimated licensure costs,
- State licensing board details, and
- Information about program accreditation.
Please note that completion of your degree is not a guarantee of licensure, and additional steps may be required depending on your state’s regulations.
Attestation Requirements
Federal regulations require UNL to disclose whether its academic programs meet the requirements for licensure in any state. Federal regulations also require students who are admitted to or enrolled in a program that does not meet the licensure criteria in the state where you reside (based on your permanent address), to take one of the actions described below.
If our program does not meet the licensure requirements in your state, here are your options:
- Discuss licensure requirements for the state in which you plan to work in with your academic advisor to customize your program of study in order for the program to meet your state’s licensure requirements; and submit an attestation form in MyRED to indicate that you have adjusted your program of study to meet the necessary requirements, or
- Submit an attestation form in MyRED acknowledging that you intend to seek licensure in another state where the program does meet licensure requirements.
- Contact your advisor to change your academic program of study.
Costs Associated with Initial Licensure
The process of obtaining professional licensure or certification for the first time typically involves several costs, including application fees, licensure exam fees, fingerprinting or background check fees, etc. These costs vary by state. We recommend you review specific licensure costs for your profession using the resources available on the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor website. In your final year of study, the UNL Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid will include these estimated licensure costs as part of your financial aid estimated cost of attendance.
Relocation Considerations
If you plan to relocate during your studies or after graduation, licensure requirements may differ in your new state. Contact your academic advisor or the licensing board in your new state as early as possible to confirm whether additional coursework or exams will be required.
For more information on professional licensure and how it applies to your program, please view the licensure information on the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor website or contact your academic advisor for personalized guidance.