10 Graduate Programs That Lead to State Licensure or Professional Certification
Share this on:
Find your perfect college degree
In this article, we will be covering...
While a bachelor’s degree is enough to help you land entry-level jobs, it might not be enough to pursue higher roles within your field. This is especially true for fields that require advanced knowledge, such as social work and healthcare.
In today’s competitive world, you need to stand out in the crowd of applicants. You can do so by pursuing a graduate degree and obtaining a license or professional certificate, perhaps both, to increase your chances for a well-paying position. While these two have different meanings and serve different purposes, they will both help you expand your professional opportunities.
What are Licensure and Professional Certification?
Being licensed and being certified are two different things that are commonly interchanged. You need to understand the distinction between these terms since certain sectors demand licensing while others do not.
So, what is licensure, and what is professional certification?
A license is something you obtain from your state or local government. A license means the state permits you to carry out a specific activity. Not all professionals are required to be licensed. However, acquiring a license becomes paramount if you’re aiming for jobs that demand a higher level of responsibility, public safety, and specialized knowledge. Great examples of industries requiring a license include real estate, architecture, engineering, construction, insurance, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.
While distinct from state licensure, professional certifications hold significant value in affirming an individual’s expertise and proficiency within a specific industry. A professional certificate is something you obtain from a third party. This indicates that you’ve finished an industry-specific training or course.
Professionals seek certifications voluntarily to enhance their credibility, stay current with industry trends, and distinguish themselves in a competitive job market. A few credentials that come to mind include Google Analytics, Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Hubspot, Project Management, and Human Resources certificates.
Why Pursue Licensure and Professional Certification
A licensure and professional certification are the best ways to expand your horizons in familiar but new territories. Because let’s face it, you wouldn’t trust someone with your life if they’re not permitted to perform a particular activity. For instance, you wouldn’t allow a surgeon without a medical license to operate on you. Clients seek professionals with recognized credentials; licensure or certification is a testament to your competence and commitment.
Obtaining a license and professional certificate in your field deepens your expertise and transforms your relationship with clients, fostering a profound trust that transcends industry boundaries and attracts opportunities. And, of course, as your knowledge and trustworthiness rise, your earning potential will follow, setting you apart in job markets and providing financial security.
However, it’s important to be mindful of credential expiration. Although professional certifications have no expiration dates, professional licenses do. Licenses are subject to renewal to ensure you brush up on your skills. This may also incur expenses, although they are minimal compared to the advantages of holding a license.
Lastly, the geographical flexibility of licenses and certifications allows seamless relocation, providing opportunities to diversify your work experience nationwide or statewide. This adaptability enriches your professional journey, creating a diverse resume and showcasing your expertise in different corners of the country.
Challenges in Obtaining a Licensure Degree Program
Pursuing a graduate degree that prepares you for industry-specific licensure and professional certification has several benefits. But at the same time, it also comes with significant challenges. Before plunging into this academic journey, you should know the strains it may cost you to prepare for what’s about to come.
One of the most common challenges in pursuing a licensure or certification is the financial strain it may cause you. This applies especially to those with limited financial resources, low-paying jobs, and a family to maintain. Graduate degrees, in general, are expensive, especially those leading to professional licensure.
According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of a master’s degree in the US ranges between $44,640 and $71,140. A Master of Arts degree, where most majors lead to licensure, is more expensive than other master’s degrees, with an average cost of $71,140. This includes exam fees, application processes, study materials, and sometimes mandatory continuing education.
It’s important to understand that the relationship between obtaining a license or certification and immediate career advancement can be complex. While pursuing licensure or certification is an investment in one’s professional development, the expected returns, such as increased job opportunities or salary advancements, may not always match the financial investment made. The perceived value may not align with employers’ expectations, leading to potential disappointment.
Graduate degrees demand higher academic rigor, research proficiency, and specialized knowledge than bachelor’s degrees. It’s not uncommon for graduate students to feel burnt out or stressed while juggling work and academics. Additionally, changing requirements may necessitate further education or training, potentially disrupting careers.
Lastly, credential maintenance can be challenging, as failure to meet requirements may result in the credential’s expiration. Limited recognition and ethical considerations may also pose risks, and job market saturation can dilute the perceived value of the credential. Limited geographic mobility can also be a challenge, as some licenses are state-specific.
Nevertheless, if you play your cards right, you’ll see that licensed-oriented graduate programs are worth the risk.
Key Considerations in Choosing a Licensure-Oriented Graduate Program
Selecting a graduate school that focuses on licensure is a big decision that must be carefully considered. These are essential things to have in mind if you’re pursuing a program in psychology, teaching, healthcare, or any other sector that calls for licensure:
Accreditation
This is the first thing you should consider when evaluating a licensure-oriented graduate program. Accreditation is a formal recognition granted to an educational institution or program by an accrediting agency.
While regional accreditation is the highest accreditation US colleges and universities can obtain, you must be aware that some licensures, for example, in healthcare professions, may require specific programmatic accreditation and institutional accreditation. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the unique accreditation requirements relevant to your chosen field.
Licensure Requirements
Understand the specific licensure requirements for the field you are interested in. Professionals have different licensing exams and prerequisites, so make sure the program meets these requirements.
Program Reputation
Research the reputation of the graduate program, faculty, and institution. Look for alumni reviews, testimonials, and success stories to gauge the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for licensure.
Faculty Qualifications
You should look for a program taught by licensed and experienced faculty members. These professionals will impart knowledge from the books and bring real-world insights and practical experiences into the classroom.
Look for faculty members with a strong track record in research, publications, or contributions to the professional community, as this can enhance the program’s overall quality.
Clinical or Practical Experience
Determine the extent of hands-on experience, on-campus work opportunities, internships, or clinical placements the program offers. Practical experience is crucial for applying theoretical knowledge and developing the skills necessary for licensure.
Pass Rates
Inquire about the licensure exam pass rates of graduates from the program. Higher pass rates may indicate the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for professional exams.
Cost and Financial Aid
Graduate degrees leading to licensures and professional certifications are often costly. In this case, if you don’t have unlimited financial resources, you need to analyze the program’s total cost, including tuition, fees, and additional expenses.
You should also research potential financial aid options, scholarships, or grants to help alleviate the financial burden.
Post-Graduation Support
Inquire about the level of support provided to graduates after completing the program. Some institutions offer career services, job placement assistance, or continuing education opportunities.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
Be aware of any ethical or legal considerations associated with the licensure process in your chosen field. Ensure that the program adheres to ethical standards and prepares you to meet legal requirements.
10 Graduate Programs That Lead to State Licensure or Professional Certification
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is among the most innovative schools in the United States. ASU is known for its innovative undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Many of its wide range of master’s and doctorate degrees lead to professional certifications and state licensures. You can explore their Professional licensure and Certification and learn more about their offerings.
Meanwhile, some of ASU’s most popular graduate degrees leading to licensure and certifications include:
- Counseling, MC
- Project Management, MPM
- Advanced Nursing Practice
- Family Nurse Practitioner – Graduate Certificate
- Family Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Graduate Certificate)
- Nursing (Entry To Nursing Practice), MS
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Graduate Certificate)
- Architecture, MArch
- Music Therapy, MM
- Environmental And Resource Management, MS
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (Graduate Certificate)
- Education, MA
- Juris Doctor, JD
- Legal Studies, MLS
- Accountancy And Data Analytics, MACC
- Real Estate Development, MRED
- Taxation And Data Analytics, MTAX
- Social Work, MSW
The acceptance rate at ASU varies by program and campus. In general, ASU has a 90% acceptance rate. But don’t mistake its high acceptance rate for mediocrity either. ASU is consistently ranked among the country’s best national universities. Plus, its business programs, particularly in analytics, management, and supply chain management, are among the country’s top 10.
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida employs faculty and researchers dedicated to advancing their fields and molding students to become leaders. With more than 69,000 students, UCF is among the largest universities in the United States and the largest in Florida. It employs about 13,000 people and has a $1.8 billion operational budget. In fiscal year 2023, UCF researchers were awarded $217.1 million for supported research.
UCF offers several graduate programs for licensure and certificate-seeking professionals. Here are some of their offerings:
- Accounting, MSA
- Counselor Education, MA
- Counselor Education (MEd) School Counseling
- Educational Leadership, EdS
- Applied Behavior Analysis (Graduate Certificate)
- Aerospace Engineering, MS
- Civil Engineering, MS
- Master of Social Work, MSW
- Medical Doctor, MD
- Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP
- Nursing, MSN
- Family Nurse Practitioner (Graduate Certificate)
- Clinical Psychology (MA) Applied Pre-Licensure/Non-Thesis Track
UCF’s acceptance rate is at 43%, meaning it’s a moderately selective institution. For its combination of affordable tuition and quality education, it’s ranked as among the country’s best value schools. Master’s degree and graduate certificate candidates are also eligible for financial aid.
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University takes pride in being among the country’s top 100 public universities and best value schools. Affordable tuition, rigorous academics, and emphasis on scholarship and innovation contribute to its prestige.
As a public research university, FAU offers students a wide range of hands-on research opportunities. Other experiential learning opportunities include internships and study-abroad programs.
FAU offers training and education at the graduate level for individuals interested in earning state licensure and certifications. These programs are in diverse fields, too, from education and architecture to accounting and social work.
Here are the notable graduate degree programs leading to licenses and certifications.
- Executive Masters of Accounting
- School Counseling, MEd
- Speech–Language Pathology/Audiology, MS
- Computer Science, MS
- Computer Engineering, MS
- Medical Education, MD
- Master of Science in Nursing, MSN
- Master of Social Work, MSW
FAU’s acceptance rate is at 73% overall. Every graduate degree program has its specific admissions requirements, criteria, and rate. Be sure to read and understand them to increase your chances of acceptance into your desired program.
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University, a public, land-grant, research university, offers graduate students a pathway to affordable education. But don’t equate affordability with mediocrity either! TAMU is among the top 20 public schools in the United States and top 50 among national universities. Academic rigor is as important as imagination, discovery, and innovation here.
And it doesn’t hurt that former POTUS George H.W. Bush loves TAMU either. TAMU alumni are also luminaries in their fields including Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize winners.
Texas A&M offers several tracks that lead to certifications and licensure required for employment.
- Clinical Nutrition, MCN
- Architecture, MA
- Accounting, MS
- Doctor of Dental Surgery in Dentistry, DDS
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Certificate
- Pediatric Dentistry Certificate
- Athletic Training, MS
- Counseling Psychology, PhD
- Juris Doctor, JD
- Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN
TAMU’s overall acceptance rate is 63%. But admissions requirements and criteria vary between programs. Check the program website for more information. For example, the MS in Athletic Training program is for applicants without a bachelor’s degree in athletic training or related field. The MCN in Clinical Nutritionl program, however, requires completion of an ACEND-accredited dietetics curriculum.
Wilmington University
Wilmington University, a private non-sectarian university, offers excellent graduate degree programs for working professionals who want to seek certification. Graduate students can customize their degree schedules and align them with their current lifestyles and careers.
Wilmington is primarily famous for its teacher education programs leading to state licensure and certifications.
- M.Ed. in Elementary Studies (K-6)
- MA in Secondary Teaching (6-12)
- M.Ed. in Career & Technical Education (9-12)
- M.Ed. in Special Education
You can also choose from a pool of graduate degrees in Wilmington. These graduate degree programs have programmatic accreditation, too, where applicable.
Wilmington University has a 99.2% acceptance rate, meaning it’s an open admissions school. With more than 20,000 students, it has a large community known for its strong sense of belongingness. Students praise its wide range of experiential learning opportunities, engaging faculty, and emphasis on technology for collaboration.
Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University, part of the University of North Carolina system, offers quality college education amidst the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Working professionals seeking licenses and certifications will find its diverse graduate degrees to their advantage.
Here are a few of their most popular programs.
- Art Education, MAT
- Clinical Psychology, MA
- Education, MAEd
- Nurse Educator (Graduate Certificate)
- Nursing, MSN
- Nursing Practice, DNP
- Physical Therapy, DPT
- Social Work, MSW
- Sport Management, MS
WCU’s acceptance rate is 86% for undergraduates. Affordable tuition, great student support services, and rigorous academics contribute to its consistent ranking as among the top 10 public regional universities in the South.
Adams State University
By exploiting its rural setting, Adams State University seeks to provide fair education access and foster successful lives. The public university is known for its diverse student body, thanks to its focus on serving students from historically underserved communities.
ASU is also an excellent choice for individuals seeking training in education, teaching, and counseling education professions.
Here are the esteemed graduate degrees leading to certificates and licenses provided by ASU.
- Education Curriculum & Instruction with Endeavor STEM Certificate
- Initial Principal Licensure, MA
- Special Education Generalist, MA
- Post Baccalaureate Alternative Teacher License with Masters in Curriculum & Instruction
- Counselor Education, MA/PhD
ASU is among the more selective public universities with a 30% overall acceptance rate.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Virginia Tech, a public land-grant research university, is a preeminent university with a consistent top 50 ranking among national universities. In 2023, its research budget was more than $650 million, the highest in its history.
The best thing about its research-centric approach is that students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities. Virginia Tech hosts the VTC Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, and the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science.
Virginia Tech’s graduate programs are designed to be intellectually stimulating, too. Students enjoy unparalleled opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research across diverse disciplines.
Individuals interested in graduate programs leading to licenses and certifications in education should consider VT’s programs.
Virginia Tech has a competitive admissions process for its undergraduate and graduate programs. The current admission rate is 57% overall.
Auburn University
Auburn University, a public land-grant research university, has a robust alumni association that enables alumni and students to maintain relationships. Alumni provide mentorship, employment, and growth opportunities for each other and for students.
Auburn provides several tracks and degree programs for individuals interested in earning state licensure and industry-specific certifications.
- Fisheries, Aquaculture & Aquatic Sciences, MS/PhD
- Master of Landscape Architecture, MLA
- Elementary Education, MS, MEd, EdS, PhD
- Teaching English as a Second Language or TESL and Teaching English as a Foreign Language or TEFL
Auburn is among the top 100 national universities in the United States. Admission into the university can be competitive with its 50% acceptance rate. Auburn takes pride in its leadership in the arts and applied sciences.
Alaska Pacific University
Alaska Pacific University, a private university, offers a student-centered, collaborative learning environment. Students tackle rigorous programs of study while also enjoying Alaska’s stunning natural environment. There are plenty of extracurricular and nature-centric activities to choose from including cultural events.
APU offers excellent graduate degree programs that prepare students for licensure and professional certifications, too. These programs have industry-specific accreditations and, thus, ensure students develop in-demand knowledge and skills.
APU adopts an open admissions policy to encourage more interested individuals to pursue higher education. As a result, it has a 99% acceptance rate. Small class sizes ensure students receive more personalized attention, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What fields usually require a state licensure and/or professional certification for individuals to practice their profession?
A: Education, social work, law, and healthcare fields, such as nursing, occupational and physical therapy, and medical doctors, are common examples.
Q: Are internships, practicum, and/or clinical rotations required in graduate degree programs leading to licensure and/or certification?
A: Yes, most of these graduate degree programs require completion of hands-on training requirements. These are usually in accordance with the internship, practicum, and/or clinical rotations mandated by licensing and certification bodies. For teachers, the number of classroom teaching hours required varies between states but it’s common among states to require at least 100 hours.
Q: Can you earn a state-issued license from a different state from where you completed a graduate degree or certification program?
A: It depends. You must ask the program coordinator about state reciprocity agreements and other factors that will affect the transferability of your license or certification. In many cases, you may have to complete state-specific courses, supervised practice hours, and a certification exam for transfer purposes. Look for NASDTEC Interstate Agreement for easier transfers, such as between California and Texas.
Additional Resources:
