Distance Learning and State Authorization
Distance Learning
All credit-bearing courses and programs delivered through distance learning at Elizabethtown College must verify that a student registered is the student academically engaged in the course. Methods used by the college to verify student identification protect the privacy of student information by complying with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Students must provide complete and true information to comply with the Student Code of Conduct. Use of any disguise or technology to conceal identity or IP addresses while accessing and/or using college resources is forbidden and considered a violation of this policy. Please see the full policy and procedures for details.
Regional Authorization
Elizabethtown College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The Middle States Association is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Elizabethtown College is committed to complying with all states’ regulations for its online programs.
State Authorization for Distance Education
Elizabethtown College is a participant of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), a voluntary, interstate agreement that establishes comparable standards for offering postsecondary distance education across state lines. Member states recognize participating institutions that are authorized in other member states. SARA establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state.
- A list of state agencies and contact information
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is an agreement among member states, districts and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offerings of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. Currently, all states (excluding California) plus the District of Columbia are members of NC-SARA.
Additional Information:
Please note that SARA does not cover professional licensure or certification (see below). For more information on SARA, please visit www.nc-sara.org.
Professional Licensures/Certifications
All jurisdictions have their own requirements for professional degrees that concern licensure/certification. Our degrees all fulfill the educational requirements for licensure in their respective fields for Pennsylvania. For other states, please view the database to find our alignment with other states to the best of our knowledge.
You may also wish to investigate licensure/certification with the appropriate licensing agency where you plan to practice before beginning your academic program with Elizabethtown College and the list of state agencies for each program is also in the database.
These links are reviewed annually. They may not represent the most current policies for the specified states. Always check with the specific state to verify current standards, policies, and requirements of that state.
- Actuarial Science
- Accounting
- Education
- Music Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Physician Assistant
- Psychology (MA)
- Social Work
Student Complaint Information
In compliance with U.S. Congressional House Rule (HR) 668.43 (b) and the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) Federal Integrity Rules, Elizabethtown College must "provide" to our students and our prospective students contact information for filing complaints with each state licensing entity and any other relevant agency that would handle the complaint. Elizabethtown College strives at all times to provide the highest quality of service and the best student experience possible. In the event that you have a serious complaint against the College, please review your options for filing a Distance Education Complaint .