Official Site of The State of New Jersey

The purpose of the Licensure Office is to uphold the applicable State regulations (N.J.A.C. 9A:1 ) that set the standards for an institution and/or entity seeking to offer academic credit-bearing courses or degree programs in the State of New Jersey. In collaboration with the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, the New Jersey Presidents' Council, and the Secretary of Higher Education, the Licensure Office enforces standards for licensure petitions and academic degree programs.

The Licensure Office authorizes and regulates institutions of higher education that have a physical presence and offer instruction for academic credit in New Jersey. The Office is housed within the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) in Trenton, New Jersey.

Institutions interested in becoming licensed to offer credit-bearing courses or academic degree programs in the state of New Jersey must submit a petition to OSHE and receive approval before operating and/or offering courses or academic degree programs for credit in New Jersey. In-State institutions interested in creating new academic degree programs, exceeding their programmatic missions, and/or adding a branch campus must also submit petitions for approval. OSHE only approves licensure for college-credit-based programs.

For questions or additional information about the academic degree program review process, please visit the New Jersey Presidents’ Council.

For additional resources and links, please visit our licensure process, or email us.

The main functions of the Office of Licensure are:

1. To authorize both in and out-of-state institutions that offer credit-bearing programs and/or degrees with a physical presence in New Jersey;
2. Maintain and update state regulations regarding higher education licensure and authorization;
3. To act as a liaison between the New Jersey Presidents’ Council and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education;
4. To review requests to: change programmatic mission, obtain university status, or establish an additional branch campus, as well as new academic degree proposals as referred by the New Jersey Presidents’ Council; and
5. To maintain and resolve student and other complaints regarding New Jersey institutions of higher education operating outside of New Jersey about its authority under the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).

Searching for information on gaining career credentials?

Please visit the New Jersey Department of Education and Department of Consumer Affairs websites.

For additional resources and links, please visit our Helpful Links.