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