State Authorization
State Authorization (NC SARA) and Professional Licensure Disclosures
Information for Prospective and current students regarding distance education authorization, student complaint process and professional licensure requirements by state.
Overview of State Authorization and NC-SARA
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC SARA), which enables the Seminary to offer distance education programs to students in participating states. As part of our commitment to transparency and faithful service to our students, this page provides important information regarding state authorization, student complaint processes, and professional licensure requirements associated with our programs.
Prospective and current students are encouraged to review this information carefully, particularly if they reside or plan to relocate outside of North Carolina.
What is NC SARA
NC SARA is a voluntary agreement among member states, districts, and U.S. territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. Participation in NC SARA allows Gordon-Conwell to offer online and distance education programs to students in SARA approved states without seeking individual authorization in each state.
NC SARA applies only to distance education activities and does not override state professional licensing requirements.
Student Location and State Authorization
State authorization for distance education is determined, in part, by a student’s physical location. Gordon Conwell maintains policies and procedures to determine and monitor student location in order to comply with NC SARA requirements and federal regulations.
Students are responsible for notifying the Seminary of any change in their state of residence, as this may affect program availability, authorization status, or licensure eligibility.
Professional Licensure Disclosures
Some programs offered by Gordon Conwell may be designed to meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification (for example, counseling- or chaplaincy-related fields). Licensure requirements vary by state and are subject to change.
Important Information
- Gordon Conwell discloses whether each applicable program:
- Meets the educational requirements for licensure
- Does not meet the educational requirements for licensure
- Has not determined whether the program meets requirements
- These disclosures are provided:
- Publicly on this website
- Directly to students, as required
- If the Seminary cannot determine whether a program meets requirements in a
particular state, students will be directed to the appropriate state
licensing board.
Educational Requirements for Licensure by State
Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (MACC)
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary—Charlotte, NC
Master of Arts in Counseling (MACO)
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary—Hamilton, MA
Licensure requirements vary by state and are subject to change.
Student Responsibility
Students intending to pursue professional licensure are strongly encouraged to:
- Review state-specific requirements
- Contact the appropriate licensing agency in their state
- Confirm that their program of study meets applicable requirements
Student Complaint Process (NC SARA)
Gordon Conwell is committed to resolving student concerns in a fair, timely, and effective manner.
Step 1: Institutional Resolution
Students should first attempt to resolve complaints by following the Seminary’s internal grievance procedures. Information about filing a complaint within the institution is available through the Student Handbook or by contacting the appropriate academic or administrative office.
Learn More About Student Complaints
Step 2: State Complaint Process (NC SARA)
If a complaint cannot be resolved internally, students enrolled in distance education programs may file a complaint with the Seminary’s home state SARA Portal Entity, North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA):